2. Ohio State
Even before Caleb Downs entered the transfer portal, there were a ton of rumors about him eventually winding up with the Ohio State Buckeyes. I don't think that's a forgone conclusion but like Notre Dame football, Ohio State did receive an official visit when Downs as a recruit.
Ohio State also seems to be on a mission to add as much talent as possible this offseason. The Buckeyes replaced their starting quarterback with Will Howard from Kansas State. They also added running back Quinson Judkins from Ole Miss.
Sources tell @chris_hummer that Georgia and Ohio State are two teams to watch in the transfer portal for Alabama star safety Caleb Downs, whom one Power Five director of player personnel calls a "true million-plus" NIL prospect:https://t.co/gzaJD638hh @247SportsPortal pic.twitter.com/RtM9eTDFff
— 247Sports (@247Sports) January 17, 2024
Winning the Big Ten and the College Football Playoff will be more difficult than ever and Ohio State could definitely use a dude like Caleb Downs on the back end of their defense. With all of the other pieces coming back, Ohio State could have the best defense in college football.
The Buckeyes also seem willing to do whatever it takes from an NIL perspective to make it happen. Hell, they were able to get Judkins away from Ole Miss and the portal king in Lane Kiffin, so Ohio State is dead serious about winning it all in 2024.